The New York International Gift Fair, or the "Gift Show," is a collection of 2,900 exhibitors showing their newest and most popular products and 40,000 buyers looking for the latest trend. They show everything from jewelry to handbags to soaps to housewares, so it's a great place to look for home trends. Yesterday I went to the summer show and as I walked around it seemed like everywhere I turned someone was showing pigs. I saw stationary, plates and bowls, salt and pepper shakers, clocks and, of course, piggy banks. And a number of these pigs had wings. Surprisingly, flying pigs seem to be a popular trend for fall this year.

I've been trying to figure out why pigs are so popular. Is it because of the economy? Do pigs remind us of saving? Or is it because pigs remind us of the excesses that we aren't currently splurging on? Is it because we're all worried about swine flu? Maybe it's because pigs are cute and cuddly, and we find that reassuring when times are hard. What do you think? Would you add a pig to your decor? And why do you think they are particularly popular this season?

Check out some examples of swine-themed products:
Letterpress stationary from Motel Deluxe
Plates from Vietri
Salt and pepper shakers from PT products
Alarm clock from Wanted
Piggy Bank from Jonathan Adler
Flying pig model from Kikkerland
Flying piggy bank from Made by Humans

photo: courtesy of www.pt-products.eu